Yukon Legislative Assembly

Number 1 3rd Session 34th Legislature

BLUES

Thursday, October 3, 2019 — 1:00 p.m.

Speaker: The Honourable Nils Clarke

NOTE

This document, referred to as the “Blues”, is the preliminary issue of the Hansard of the Legislative Assembly and has not been edited fully for errors, omissions or accuracy. It may be used as a reference only with the understanding that it will be superseded by the final, edited version, entitled “Hansard”, at a later time.

October 3, 2019 BLUES 1

Yukon Legislative Assembly terms in this House. As Yukon’s longest-serving Premier, he , Yukon had an immeasurable impact, passionately defending this Thursday, October 3, 2019 — 1:00 p.m. territory on the national stage, while he worked with equal passion and commitment for people at home. THE THIRD SESSION OF THE 34TH LEGISLATIVE Mr. Fentie will be remembered for his charismatic ASSEMBLY OF YKON CONVENED IN THE ASEMBLY leadership and his strong belief in getting things done. We are CHANGER AT 1:00 P.M. ON THURSDAY, OCTOER 3, indebted to him for his invaluable service and offer our sincere 2019 condolences to his family, friends and former colleagues. Yukon has lost other valued members of our community Speaker: I will now call the House to order. Please be recently as well. I want to acknowledge their important seated. contributions to this rich and vibrant land. I am grateful for the opportunity today to highlight the Proclamation successes of many Yukoners and to speak to the strong foundation your government has built and the measures it will Clerk: “To the Members of the Legislative Assembly of undertake to continue that success. Yukon and to all others whom this may concern Yukon has much to celebrate. Our population has reached a modern-day record. 2019 has been a strong year for our “Greetings tourism industry. A new mine, Victoria Gold — the largest gold mine in Yukon history — just poured its first gold bar. “A Proclamation The Town of Faro celebrated its 50th anniversary with many reunion activities this past summer. Five other Yukon “KNOW YE THAT under and by virtue of the power municipalities are celebrating 35 years of incorporation in vested in the Commissioner of Yukon under the Yukon Act 2019: Watson Lake, Mayo, Teslin, Haines Junction and (Canada), the Second Session of the Thirty-fourth Legislative Carmacks. Half the people serving in Yukon’s municipal Assembly of Yukon is prorogued on October 3, 2019, at the governments today are women, making our territory a national hour of twelve o’clock in the afternoon and the Legislative leader in the representation of women in municipal politics. Assembly of Yukon is summoned to meet for the dispatch of Yukon are working diligently for their business in the Legislative Assembly Chamber, Yukon citizens. They are showing Canada how self-government can Government Administration Building, Whitehorse, Yukon on advance self-reliance and build a better future for everyone. October 3, 2019 at the hour of one o’clock in the afternoon. They are embarking on innovative projects to make a difference “ALL OF WHICH all persons concerned are required to in their communities and throughout the Yukon. To mention take notice and to govern themselves accordingly. just one example, the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in partnered with “GIVEN UNDER my hand and seal of Yukon, at Yukon to create a farm capable of supplying fresh Whitehorse, Yukon, produce and other food staples in a sustainable way. It won the “August 1, 2019. Arctic Inspiration Prize last February, demonstrating the “Angélique Bernard passion, creativity and innovation of our territory’s people. “Commissioner of Yukon” Your government is working to complete a new agriculture policy to support this industry and increase food self- Speaker: Mr. Clerk, please advise the Commissioner of sufficiency in Yukon. Yukon, in her capacity as Lieutenant Governor, that the Yukon is home to many exceptional individuals — for Assembly is now prepared to hear the Speech from the Throne. instance, talented athletes like Stephanie Dixon, who is leading Canada as chef de mission for the 2020 Paralympics games in Commissioner Bernard enters the Chamber accompanied Tokyo, and Ernest Chua, who won a silver medal for Team by her Aides-de-Camp Canada in the 100-metre backstroke at this summer’s Special Olympics World Games. SPEECH FROM THE THRONE Dylan Cozens became the first homegrown hockey Commissioner: Please be seated. prospect to be a top draft pick in the National Hockey League, Honourable members, I want to begin by acknowledging earning the Buffalo Sabres about 40,000 new fans. that we come together today on the traditional territories of the Hundreds of athletes from across the circumpolar north Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council. It will come together next March as Whitehorse hosts the Arctic is a privilege for me to speak in this Assembly on the eve of the Winter Games. Our active, engaged volunteer community will territory’s 40th anniversary of responsible government. put on an event that we will all be proud of as these games mark As a new session begins, let us remember who brought us their 50th anniversary. here: Yukoners from all walks of life and many different Young Yukoners are stepping up as entrepreneurs. They backgrounds who have helped our territory grow and succeed. are investing in the territory’s future and succeeding. Two Sadly, on August 30, we lost one such person. young Yukoners are among many making names for Dennis Fentie was a proud advocate for Watson Lake for four themselves in the business world. Tanner and Myles Hougen

2 BLUES October 3, 2019 have turned their Yukon Built clothing line into full-time jobs. increasingly concerned about their future and are speaking out In doing so, they are following in the footsteps of their about the need for change. Young people here in Yukon grandfather, Rolf Hougen. This summer, the Hougen Group of deserve to have their voices heard. Your government will create Companies celebrated 75 years in businesses that have made a youth panel on climate change to provide advice and great contributions to Yukon’s economy. perspectives to policy-makers here in the territory. Proof, a Yukon-based start-up that has developed a We know the climate is in crisis and the north is warming paperless approval system for government documents, is one of faster than the rest of the country. This government recognizes two Canadian companies to earn a place in the Pitch@Palace that the need to act on climate change is urgent. This has been Global Competition in London, England later this year. This central to its work to date and will continue to be a driving dynamic start-up is just one of many Yukon companies factor. It is part of the government’s discussions at the Yukon advancing our growing knowledge economy and contributing Forum, with municipalities, and with its sister territories and to Whitehorse’s reputation as a city where entrepreneurs thrive. others as they take actions to mitigate the unique impacts of The Canadian Federation of Independent Business ranked climate change in the north and adapt to this reality. Whitehorse number one in the country for entrepreneurship last This is a transformational time. In the coming weeks, this year. To support the continuing growth of Yukon’s innovation government will be engaging Yukoners in discussion on a and knowledge sector, your government is developing an climate change, energy, and green economy strategy. This 10- innovation plan. It is also completing its review of economic year strategy being developed in partnership with Yukon First fund programs to ensure that these programs meet today’s Nations, and municipal governments will set out ambitious needs. targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the actions Yukon’s arts and culture sector continues to thrive. The needed to achieve them. Dakhká Khwáan Dancers, an award-winning Inland Tlingit The strategy will increase the resiliency of our dance group, recently represented Canada at Mexico’s communities, adding to what the government is already doing indigenous language fair. BreakOut West, western Canada’s to retrofit government buildings and support residential and largest music industry event, is taking place in Whitehorse this commercial retrofits. week. This is an opportunity for Yukon artists to showcase their Next year, your government will introduce amendments to talents to a captive industry audience. the Assessment and Taxation Act in this House to create an Yukon is well known as a community of vibrant artistic energy retrofit loan program similar to the existing rural and cultural expression. Your government is preparing a multi- electrification and wells program. Retrofitting our homes and year strategy to support, grow, and encourage a flourishing, commercial buildings will reduce heating demands, allow us to creative and cultural industries sector. switch to renewables, and foster new opportunities for a reliable Pour sa part, notre communauté francophone est l’une de green economy. celles qui enrichissent la diversité de notre territoire par sa Through the innovative renewable energy initiative, now culture et son patrimoine uniques. in its second full year, $1.5 million is being invested annually Marie Bélanger, enseignante de 5e année à l’École Émilie- in projects to reduce Yukon’s reliance on fossil fuels for Tremblay de Whitehorse, a été l’une des dix éducateurs et electricity and heat. Multi-year renewable energy projects are éducatrices de partout au pays à recevoir le Prix du premier now underway in Beaver Creek, Old Crow, Pelly Crossing, ministre pour l’excellence dans l’enseignement. Burwash Landing, Destruction Bay, Teslin, Dawson City, La juge Edith Campbell est quant à elle devenue, l’an Carcross and Whitehorse. dernier, la première femme et la première francophone à être Last month, the government announced two new projects, juge à la Cour suprême du Yukon. both of which will help reduce Yukon’s carbon footprint. A Notre gouvernement a par ailleurs considérablement élargi new battery energy storage system will be built in Whitehorse les services offerts à nos résidents francophones. Il compte for the Yukon Energy Corporation, creating a more reliable maintenant 73 postes désignés bilingues, y compris un nouveau power supply and reducing Yukon Energy’s reliance on fossil poste de travailleur bilingue aux services aux victimes et de fuels. conseiller bilingue en santé mentale. The first stage of the Stewart to Keno transmission line Yukon is home to so many dedicated innovative project will involve replacing 31 kilometres of the Mayo- individuals. One way your government is highlighting people’s McQuesten section of the line. This will allow Victoria Gold’s achievements and excellence is through the newly created new mine to operate on hydro-generated electricity and have a Order of Yukon. The order is the highest honour in Yukon. It positive impact on reliability and quality of service in the will recognize individuals who have made exceptional Mayo-Keno region. These projects total a $16 million contributions to our territory. I will be presenting the first investment in green infrastructure. medals at the annual Commissioner’s Levee this coming Transportation presents a particular challenge in reducing January 1, and I invite all Yukoners to join in the celebration. greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 62 percent of Honourable members, your government is working hard to Yukon’s total emissions in 2016. With this in mind, your tackle the challenges of our time. This government recognizes government will work to electrify the Alaska Highway, support that there is a climate emergency. Yukoners have known this more electric buses for the City of Whitehorse and increase the for many, many years. Young people around the world are number of electric vehicles within its own fleet.

October 3, 2019 BLUES 3 The climate change, energy, and green economy strategy wide regional waste management system and to improve is central to your government’s commitment to marry our recycling. Based on input from Yukoners, your government is economic goals with our environmental values. also taking a necessary step to reduce and curb pollution. It will Six weeks ago, the Peel land use plan was signed. This plan be implementing a ban on single-use bags. These steps are part will allow responsible land use while protecting ecologically of our collective work to protect this beautiful place that we all sensitive areas in the watershed. call home. That same week, Victoria Gold received the water licence Yukon’s economy is thriving and Yukoners are coming for its Eagle Gold project. Both of these significant events home. Our territory has the lowest unemployment rate and the illustrate that with a responsible, balanced approach, the highest workforce participation rate in Canada. Canadians are economy and the environment can both be priorities to make starting to notice this special place that is full of opportunities. life better in our territory. The new Victoria Gold mine is just the first of several expected Using the same vision and balanced approach, your to go into production in the coming years, fuelling Yukon’s government will establish a co-lab — an open, creative process economy. In June 2019, 69 percent of the mine’s employees — where a group of people work together to generate solutions were Yukon residents, with 37 percent of their employees being to complex problems. The co-lab will focus on solving practical First Nation. This success is evidence of how mines can be built problems and integrate economic and environmental through strong relationships with local communities and bring considerations to support sustainable development in Yukon. jobs and benefits for Yukon people. To ensure that our mineral The people of this territory deeply value our vast industry is as effective and modern as possible, your wilderness, and your government is working collaboratively to government recently launched the development of a mineral protect the environment we treasure. The celebration on the development strategy for the territory. An independent panel of banks of the Stewart River in August, where after 15 years all experts will provide advice to ensure a balanced strategy that parties approved the Peel Watershed Regional Land Use Plan, represents the voices of all Yukoners. bears witness to this commitment. It marks a significant Yukon’s economy is thriving in many ways. Our tourism milestone for land use planning, for wilderness protection in industry is booming. The Yukon tourism development strategy Yukon and for reconciliation. It is a significant milestone for provides a clear 10-year vision to guide the growth of a vibrant Yukon but also for Canada and the world. It is a leading sustainable industry. Now is the time for action. The example of what can be achieved when people work together governance task force has finished its work on examining what and listen to each other. governance model would best achieve the vision, goals and To continue its work to protect the environment, your values of the strategy. Based on the task force’s government will address the impacts of off-road vehicles by recommendations, your government will be creating a new developing an effective regulatory regime. Off-road vehicles body to advise the minister on implementing the strategy and are widely used and responsibly enjoyed by most Yukoners. achieving its goals. Your government encourages tourists to Any regulations must reflect this reality, while ensuring that our visit Yukon and also encourages people to come and join the wilderness is protected. The first step will be to designate workforce. sensitive ecological areas where, to protect them, off-road A new agreement with the federal government is providing vehicles will not be permitted. Your government will continue more funds and flexibility to meet the needs of our local labour to engage in discussions with Yukoners about further market. Your government recently signed a letter of intent with regulation. the Republic of the Philippines to help Filipino workers find Yukoners enjoy being out on the land. This government is opportunities here. now seeking the public’s views to help with the planning for New procurement rules are providing more opportunities Yukon parks and campgrounds. In June, the government for Yukon’s business community, with better access to opened a new wheelchair-accessible interpretive trail at the contracting opportunities and more consistency and flexibility Wolf Creek campground, the second such trail in the territory. in sourcing goods and services. With several licences approved Tän Tágà Shro, or “trail to the big river”, was developed for cannabis stores, your government is fulfilling its collaboratively by the Yukon government, the Kwanlin Dün commitment to foster a growing, healthy private sector that First Nation, the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council and the City of combats the illicit market. It is closing its own store in two Whitehorse. The trail features interpretive signs in English, weeks, leaving the retail market to the private sector. French and Southern Tutchone — the first of its kind in Yukon In its first budget, your government reduced taxes for both territorial parks. This trail is a reminder of the traditional large and small businesses. As a result, Yukon corporations are knowledge that guides the Yukon way of life. seeing an overall reduction of approximately $3.2 million Our wildlife populations are important to Yukoners. In annually in their tax bill. Amendments that improve the current addition to ensuring wildlife remains healthy and well- small business investment tax credit will be introduced in this managed, work is underway to develop Yukon legislation on House next year, and further tax measures to support Yukon protecting species at risk. Conservation plays an important role businesses are under development. in protecting Yukon’s environment, but we must also pay Yukon’s economy is growing, and modern infrastructure attention to all impacts of human activity. Your government is is needed to support it. The Dawson airport runway is now now working with municipal governments to create a territory- paved. Your government continues to upgrade the Mayo

4 BLUES October 3, 2019 aerodrome to better accommodate increased activity in that Your government is working to establish high-quality early region, taking steps toward establishing it as a full airport. learning environments in all rural Yukon communities. It is Work is almost complete on replacing the Nares bridge in now working with the Kluane First Nation and the Ross River Carcross, a key project involving local procurement and a Dena Council to plan schools that will meet their needs. To partnership with the Carcross/Tagish First Nation. The next support young children in being ready to learn and to help bridge to be refurbished is in Teslin. families get there, students in most rural schools have the Close to $160 million of upgrades will begin next year on option to start kindergarten when they are four years old, the north Klondike Highway, improving an important artery instead of when they are five. through Yukon for communities and visitors alike. Engineering Your government recognizes the positive impact that early work on the Carmacks bypass road project is underway, the learning supports have on children and families. It will make first project under the resource gateway partnership with the early kindergarten available in every single rural school as it federal government. investigates the future implementation of this program in These and other investments, guided by the five-year Whitehorse. capital plan, define this government’s approach to Une entreprise locale, en partenariat avec la Commission infrastructure development in rural Yukon — all communities scolaire francophone du Yukon, construit à l’heure actuelle la matter. nouvelle école secondaire de français première langue. From the foot bridge in Ross River, to tiny houses in Other new schools are being planned, including the first Haines Junction, to the planned refurbishing of the elementary school to be built in 27 years in Whitehorse. During administration building in Watson Lake, strategic investments this Sitting, your government will introduce new legislation to are building healthy, vibrant, sustainable communities. Your establish Yukon university, the first university in Canada’s government has heard loud and clear the demand for more north — in the north, by the north, for the north. This is a bold housing and it has acted. There has been more investment in lot move but one that Yukon College has been building toward for development across Yukon in the last two years than in the several years. Its enrolment has grown steadily, up 50 percent previous four. This year, the government released many smaller since 2015. The first graduates of its first made-in-Yukon lots, supporting affordable housing. bachelor program in indigenous governance will receive their Over the last two years, your government has supported 21 degrees next May as Yukon university becomes a reality. The rental and home ownership projects through the housing proposed bill will set clear objectives for university governance initiatives fund. These projects are anticipated to provide 150 and provide for a range of post-secondary programs, giving new affordable places to live for Yukoners. Yukon’s inaugural Yukon students opportunities to further their education right Housing First project will open its doors this fall to house the here in the north. most vulnerable. Your government is working hard to ensure During this Sitting, your government will introduce housing for Yukoners from all walks of life. amendments to the Corrections Act to reform the use of Fundamental to giving everyone their best opportunity is segregation at the Whitehorse Correctional Centre. These education. Your government is committed to improving changes are part of ongoing work to improve the Correctional educational outcomes of our young people. Our Department of Centre as recommended by the inspection report on the facility Education exists for one reason: to support the lifelong learning in recent cases. of Yukon students. Acting in the best interest of students is the Other initiatives underway include better support for goal against which all actions must be measured. A key priority individuals with mental health needs at the Correctional Centre, for the Department of Education is supporting each and every an increase in culturally relevant programming and supports for school and every student’s learning. indigenous inmates. The RCMP’s historical case unit has been Your government is working to increase First Nation funded for a three-year period, with a mandate to investigate involvement in education and schools. Discussions through the historical homicides, historical suspicious deaths and missing Yukon Forum, negotiation of a framework agreement with the persons. This vital unit has already seen success resulting in Chiefs Committee on Education, renewed efforts and funding charges in some historical cases. to implement the joint education action plan and the recent Your government is committed to advancing the use of hiring of an Assistant Deputy Minister of First Nations restorative justice and supporting the growth of community- Initiatives are all part of this commitment. based programming. It is working with communities on The Yukon government now has education agreements community safety plans that build on existing partnerships and with the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in, Selkirk First Nation, Kluane First successes with Kwanlin Dün First Nation and Selkirk First Nation and the Kwanlin Dün First Nation. These agreements Nation. Across the country, governments are changing labour and others we want to sign will allow First Nation governments laws to give victims of family or domestic violence additional to set their priorities for their children in the schools they attend. leave to get the help they need. Funding has now been dedicated to implement these We are committed to making those same provisions agreements. available here in Yukon. This is part of your government’s We are embedding Yukon First Nation ways of knowing, commitment to building safer communities by increasing its doing and being, as well as First Nation history, culture and efforts to reduce violence against women and to work languages in the school curriculum at every grade level. collaboratively with community partners.

October 3, 2019 BLUES 5 Yukon played an exceptional role in the National Inquiry that this government has taken to improve mental health care into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls by services. attending national and regional events. The chief commissioner Mental wellness hubs are an innovative solution to rural applauded Yukon’s participation, which she said showed health care. To date, the hubs have hired 22 people, including brilliant leadership throughout the inquiry. Now that the inquiry counsellors, a mental health nurse, and support workers — all has issued its calls for justice, your government will work with in rural Yukon, with more hiring on the way. the Yukon advisory committee to respond through the creation On the national level, your government is working with the of a territory-wide action plan, documenting its work to date Government of Saskatchewan to host a Canadian symposium and commitments for change. on mental health in 2020. Since coming into office in late 2016, this government has Governments work best when they engage in a positive made several changes to legislation, policies and practices to way with all of their counterparts to find the best solutions for support a diverse, inclusive society that promotes LGBTQ2S+ all citizens. Your government remains focused on rights, equality and freedom from discrimination. Its decision reconciliation with Yukon First Nation peoples. The primary to offer the World Professional Association for Transgender instrument to foster reconciliation is the Yukon Forum. These Health education and training course this past summer is a meetings of ministers and First Nation chiefs have occurred prime example. Ninety-seven practitioners participated in this quarterly since late 2016. The forum has produced a new important training opportunity. Further changes will be made, agreement on resource royalties that settled a long-standing based on the government’s consultation with this community. dispute. It has approved a memorandum of understanding that This includes banning conversion therapy. lays the foundation for working toward a clear process for This government also supports Yukoners by ensuring managing our cultural heritage, including archaeological and timely access to primary health care, a key priority of this palaeontological discoveries, cultural artifacts and the government. The recent decision to provide a nurse practitioner stewardship of heritage and historic sites. At its recent meeting, in the community of Mayo is an example of how your the forum endorsed a new representative public service plan, government is working to fulfill its goal. Health care needs are Breaking Trail Together: An inclusive Yukon Public Service. A changing in the territory, and the government must adapt. The joint senior executive committee made up of deputy ministers comprehensive review of Yukon’s health care system will help and First Nation executive directors is meeting regularly to it do so. The review, combined with the aging-in-place action support the work of the Yukon Forum and its 16 working plan — now in its final stages — will ensure your government groups. is addressing the needs of seniors today and into the future. Successes in creating trust through the Yukon Forum have Better data allows the government to analyze trends and allowed governments to work together jointly in preparation for make informed decisions for Yukoners based on the realities on events such as Yukon Days in Ottawa, where they have the ground in Yukon and across Canada. For example, hospital achieved significant milestones with their federal counterparts. wait times and length of stays in the hospital are trending These include treaty loan forgiveness, raising the importance of downward. This is in part due to the successes we are seeing at the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to the health of the Whistle Bend Place, whose dedicated staff recently received Porcupine caribou herd and creating more awareness of self- the Premier’s award for excellence and innovation. governing First Nation processes and priorities. This Funding for Yukon home care has increased by collaborative approach to intergovernmental relations has $1.5 million in the past two years. This has resulted in more ensured flexibility on infrastructure dollars and major funding than 1,225 clients receiving services, an increase of 20 percent streams such as the Arctic energy fund and the Gateway from the previous years. More than a third of these were project. This approach has also advanced work with Alaska on Yukoners living in communities outside Whitehorse. the future of the port of Skagway and reinstating Shakwak This government remains committed to reducing the highway funding. A bill that would accomplish this is now number of children in the care of Family and Children’s under consideration in the US Congress. Services, and it is making progress. There has been a 30-percent This fall during a tour of Yukon communities, the Premier reduction in the number of children in care since 2016. When and the Minister of Community Services participated in several older children go into care, many will be welcome at a productive joint meetings with municipalities and First Nation supportive housing and semi-independent living program on governments. Wann Road in Whitehorse that opens this fall. Yukoners have a right to know what their government is Your government believes in making key investments in doing. This government is committed to being transparent and newborn and women’s health. That is why new midwifery open about its decision-making. A single, open data portal now regulations are nearing completion, and the government is gives Yukoners ready access to scientific, statistical and other developing models of care based on best practices elsewhere government data. Regulations are being developed to and on feedback from stakeholders and members of the Yukon implement the new Access to Information and Protection of public. The creation of mental wellness hubs, the hiring of new Privacy Act that will better protect Yukoners’ personal mental health professionals in rural Yukon, and the recent information and increase government transparency. revitalization of local counselling services are concrete steps Our one-government approach led to the successful implementation of cannabis legislation and a carbon-pricing

6 BLUES October 3, 2019 rebate that is returning revenues to Yukon households, One of these people was the late Jim Smith. In recognition businesses and First Nation and municipal governments. of his place in the story of responsible government and his Government is most effective when it talks to Yukoners many contributions over 10 years as Yukon Commissioner, the before decisions are made. Since 2017, more than 65 public government is naming its main administration building here in engagements have been completed. Since coming into office, Whitehorse the Jim Smith Building, in his honour. ministers have completed more than 125 community visits per Honourable members, you have inherited the legacy of year — an average of one visit every three days. those who have gone before you in achieving responsible Your government will continue to engage with Yukoners. government, in supporting Yukon First Nations, in realizing It is obvious what can be achieved when we take time to listen self-government and in building a diverse territory full of and work together. people with promise and hopes for the future. They and all of Your government also believes in reporting to Yukoners you share a love of this special place. on progress. In the coming weeks, it will issue its third As you undertake your work, remember the wisdom and performance plan so Yukoners can see what work is being generosity of those who preceded you and the responsibility to accomplished, what the plans are for the future and where your work for the people of this territory to make their lives better. government needs to further focus its efforts. A project with the May respect, fairness and compassion for others guide to refine the Canadian Index of your deliberations. Wellbeing to make its indicators meaningful to Yukon Thank you. Merci. Mahsi’. Günilschish. circumstances is advancing. New data will be included in the next performance plan. Commissioner leaves the Chamber Any government exists solely to serve its citizens, and it must keep that in mind with every action it takes. Being as open Speaker: I will now call the House to order. and transparent as possible is your government’s way of I would like to begin the 2019 Fall Sitting of the ensuring that it remains accountable to Yukon citizens. Legislative Assembly by respectfully acknowledging all In addition to the bills that I have already mentioned, in Yukon First Nations and that we are meeting on the traditional this Sitting, your government will introduce a modern Liquor territory of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the Ta’an Act to balance business and consumer needs with measures to Kwäch’än Council. reduce alcohol-related harm, promote social responsibility and We will proceed at this time with prayers. improve compliance. As well, members will be asked to consider legislation to regulate and control vaping and e- Prayers cigarettes and amendments to the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act so it will apply to contraventions of both INTRODUCTION OF PAGES federal and Yukon legislation governing cannabis. Speaker: It gives me great pleasure to introduce the Changes to the Elections Act dealing with the permanent legislative pages who will be serving the House during the 2019 registry of voters and special ballots will also be introduced. Fall Sitting. They are Samreen Ahmad and Chuidji Dangpilen Supplementary budget estimates will be tabled to deal with from F.H. Collins Secondary School. We also have: unexpected expenditures, principally those related to wildland MeiLi Robbins and Benjamin Williams from Vanier Catholic fires. Yukon’s changing climate has resulted in the heaviest Secondary School; Nadejda Skofenko and Drayton Mamer wildfire season in 15 years. Fires across the territory kept crews from Porter Creek Secondary School; and Kalina Morrison and very busy this summer and also into the fall, with the Nora Lott Thompson from École Émilie Tremblay. evacuation of Ethel Lake in mid-September. We owe our fire With us today are Nadejda Skofenko and crews a debt of gratitude for their skill and dedication to Nora Lott Thompson. I would ask members to welcome them keeping Yukon communities safe. to the House at this time. During the remainder of its mandate, this government will Applause introduce legislation that overhauls the Motor Vehicles Act, INTRODUCTION OF BILLS modernizes our animal protection regime and reforms the Workers’ Compensation Act. These bills will build on your Bill No. 1: Act to Perpetuate a Certain Ancient Right government’s record of progressive legislation. Modernizing — Introduction and First Reading statutes, such as the Legal Profession Act and the Coroners Act, Mr. Adel: I move that Bill No. 1, entitled Act to or legislating in new areas, such as the Missing Persons Act, Perpetuate a Certain Ancient Right, be now introduced and ensures Yukon laws respond to current realities and codify best read a first time. practices and procedures. Speaker: It has been moved by the Member for In closing, I want to return to the 40th anniversary of Copperbelt North that Bill No. 1, entitled Act to Perpetuate a responsible government which we will celebrate this fall. The Certain Ancient Right, be now introduced and read a first time. achievement of this important step in the territory’s political Motion for introduction and first reading of Bill No. 1 development — a wholly elected Cabinet accountable to this agreed to House — took the efforts of many people advocating for progress over many years.

October 3, 2019 BLUES 7 TABLING SPEECH FROM THE THRONE Ernest Chua and his folks, Eng Khoon Chua and Shirley Chua- Speaker: At this time, I wish to inform the Assembly Tan, and family Elsie Toh, Greg Toh and Sue Ping This. that I have received a copy of the Speech from the Throne, I would also like to welcome Hayley Haluska, Christian which I will now table. Kempis, Anna Thompson, Taylor Pooyatak-Amundson, Rachel Dawson, the great dancer Tijana McCarthy, Kristen CONSIDERATION OF SPEECH FROM THE THRONE Maides, Janine Peters and Rebecca Danko-Brink. Hon. Mr. Silver: Mr. Speaker, I move: From the Community Midwifery Association of Yukon: THAT the Speech from the Throne be considered on a day Kathleen Cranfield, Christina Kaiser, Kristin Kulachkosky — following. and I think I saw her young son, Remi too — Shannon Ryan, Speaker: It has been moved by the Hon. Premier: and Marsha Cooke. THAT the Speech from the Throne be considered on a day Et aussi Isabelle Salesse, Directrice generale de AFY. following. Also from the Arctic Winter Games: Moira Lassen, Motion agreed to Lucy Coulthard, Doris Landry, Nyla Klugie-Migwans, Mellisa Murray, Sophie Tremblay-Morissette, Tracey Bilsky, Hon. Ms. McPhee: Mr. Speaker, I wish to inform the Sue Meikle, Karen Barnes — oh, sorry, I give that one back — House, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 26(2), that Laura Williamson, Sandy Legge, Rick Karp, Tamika Knutson, consideration of a motion for an Address in Reply to the Speech Colleen Wirth, Carolyn Moore, Echo Ross, Courtney Nichol, from the Throne will take place on Monday, October 7, 2019. Desiree Cook, Jess Staffen, Meaghen Kimmitt, Shelley Williamson, Chris Teiman, Ryan Romero, TABLING RETURNS AND DOCUMENTS Lindsay Smith, Mia Val — with regrets from Däch’äw — and Speaker: Hon. Members, the Chair has for tabling the also my mother-in-law, Freda Walton — if we could welcome Report of the Auditor General of Canada to the Legislative them, please. Assembly of Yukon — Kindergarten Through Grade 12 Applause Education in Yukon from the Department of Education. The Auditor General’s report is submitted to the Hon. Ms. McPhee: I will ask my colleagues to join me Legislative Assembly pursuant to Section 35 of the Yukon Act in welcoming a number of visitors here this afternoon. From and was made public on June 18, 2019. Vanier Catholic Secondary School, we have a grade 10 class The Chair also has for tabling the Report from the Clerk of and some grade 12 students. They are accompanied by their the Yukon Legislative Assembly on the Absence of Members teacher Mike Gallant, and Sophia Marnik. The students we from Sittings of the Legislative Assembly and its Committees, have with us are: Wyatt, Aryanna, Paris, Karl, Payton, Elijah, dated October 3, 2019. This report is tabled pursuant to the Ilianna, Maeve, Amy, Christian, Hailey, Gage, Joshua, Shirley, direction of the Members’ Services Board. Prabjyot and Nathaniel. Thank you very much. We also have with us from the RCMP M Division Mr. Adel: Mr. Speaker, I have for tabling the Fourteenth Inspector Keith MacKinnon. We have from the Commission Report of the Standing Committee on Appointments to Major scolaire francophone du Yukon their president, Government Boards and Committees, dated June 6, 2019. Jean-Sébastien Blais, and Marc Champagne. I also have for tabling the Fifteenth Report of the Standing We have from Yukon College: President Dr. Karen Committee on Appointments to Major Government Boards and Barnes, Dr. Bronwyn Hancock, Janet Welch, Maggie Matear, Committees, dated August 2, 2019. Colleen Wirth — who I know has been mentioned — Tosh Southwick, Stephen Mooney, Jacqueline Bedard, Speaker: Are there any further committee reports to be Eric Hoogstraten, Amanda Graham, Mike Barwell, Josh presented? Schroeder, Sheena Greenlaw, Kirsti Wallace, Kim Sheridan, Introduction of visitors. Maureen Caron, Aiza Huevos-Cunanan, Nick Haskins, Beverley Keefe, Serge Bagranovski, Erin Johnston, INTRODUCTION OF VISITORS David Silas, Fabi Naves and Faye Canty. Thank you very much Speaker: I am pleased to see that the gallery today is for being here. full. I would ask at this time whether any members wish to Applause recognize our visitors. I’ll just start briefly from the Chair and recognize in the Speaker’s box the two members of the Yukon Ms. White: Today I welcome members from both the Supreme Court judiciary: Madam Justice Edith Campbell and Porter Creek and the F.H. Collins gender sexuality alliance. We Madam Justice Suzanne Duncan — also former colleagues of have Jackson Ullrich, Isaac Hamilton, Berkley Malchow, mine and the Minister of Justice. Welcome. Aaron McInnes, Milo Goodwin, Bella Vigliotti, Rylee Reed, Applause Adrian Barber, Sam Bowers, Hannah Cross, Taiga Troy, Gabe Hopkins, Alia Krueger, Grey Capot-Blanc, Shania Skookum- Hon. Mr. Streicker: Mr. Speaker, I would like all Gulstad, Shania Dornay, Aiden Falkenberg, Annie Pellicano — members here to please welcome several guests in the their teacher — Jonathan Hale, Candice Deo, Astrid Sidaway- Legislature today. First of all, Special Olympics world medalist

8 BLUES October 3, 2019 Wolf, Jason Cook and Douglas Felicia Cook. Thank you to and a dear friend of mine, Tjitske van der Eide, who has joined them. us this afternoon. Also we have Bonnie Dalziel, Jody Overduin and Mike Walton. Mr. Gallina: I would like members to join me in Thank you for coming today. welcoming a couple of guests to the gallery today: a friend, Applause Sandy Legge — it’s good to see you — and constituent Gina Nagano. Welcome to the gallery. Hon. Ms. Dendys: It is great to be back in the Yukon Legislative Assembly today and to see so many visitors come Speaker: Are there further visitors to be introduced? to be part of this day with us. I would like to welcome some special guests here today — Hon. Ms. McPhee: Seeing none, Mr. Speaker, I move Chief Rick McLean from the Tahltan Band Council. We have that the House do now adjourn. also Vicki Hancock and Justin Ferbey, who served on the Speaker: It has been moved by the Government House Yukon Tourism Development Strategy task force and have Leader that the House do now adjourn. many other hats. Thank you for being here today. Motion agreed to I have Adeline Webber from the Whitehorse Aboriginal Women’s Circle — thank you for coming. From the Tourism Speaker: This House now stands adjourned until Industry Association are Blake Rogers and Coralie Ullyett — 1:00 p.m. Monday. thank you for coming — our deputy minister, Valerie Royle, from Tourism and Culture and the Women’s Directorate. We The House adjourned at 2:01 p.m. have Hillary Aitken, who is our new director of the Women’s Directorate. We have Breagha Fraser from the Women’s Directorate and Alex Muszynski. Applause The following sessional papers were tabled October 3, 2019: Hon. Mr. Pillai: Mr. Speaker, I would ask all Members 34-3-1 of the Legislative Assembly to help me welcome some Speech from the Throne (Speaker Clarke) esteemed Yukoners — some individuals who were touched on in the throne speech. I would like to welcome Myles and Tanner 34-3-2 Hougen from Yukon Built. I would like to welcome as well Eric Report of the Auditor General of Canada to the Legislative Hougen from the Hougen Group of Companies. As well, Luke Assembly of Yukon — Kindergarten Through Grade 12 Decoste and Wes George are here from Proof. Education in Yukon — Department of Education (June 18, From the Victoria Gold team, we have: John McConnell, 2019) (Speaker Clarke) Sean Harvey and Mark Aryanto. Also, Mike Pemberton is here — the chair of the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce and the 34-3-3 chair of the Yukon Development Corporation. Susan Simpson Report from the Clerk of the Yukon Legislative Assembly is here — executive director of the Whitehorse Chamber of on the Absence of Members from Sittings of the Legislative Commerce, as well as Peter Turner from the Yukon Chamber Assembly and its Committees (October 3, 2019) (Speaker of Commerce — let’s give them a big welcome, please. Clarke) Applause 34-3-4 Hon. Ms. Frost: I would like my colleagues to please Fourteenth Report of the Standing Committee on help me in welcoming some special guests today. My two Appointments to Major Government Boards and Committees aunties are here — Auntie Doris Allen and Effie Njootli — and (June 6, 2019) (Adel) Uncle Alfie LaVallée. 34-3-5 I would also like to take a moment to acknowledge the Fifteenth Report of the Standing Committee on people who are here today representing the Canadian Parks and Appointments to Major Government Boards and Committees Wilderness Society of Yukon, Jody Overduin and (August 2, 2019) (Adel) Randi Newton, and also Seniors Action Yukon, Lillian Nakamura Maguire, and Mike Walton, executive Written notice was given of the following motions director for the Yukon Conservation Society. October 3, 2019: Applause Motion No. 1 Hon. Mr. Mostyn: It’s great to be here this afternoon, Re: adjournment for Arctic Winter Games (Gallina) opening the House again. I would like to take a second and have my colleagues here please help me in welcoming a neighbour Motion No. 2 Re: small business investment tax credit (Gallina)

October 3, 2019 BLUES 9 Motion No. 3 Re: leave for domestic violence victims (Adel)

Motion No. 4 Re: single-use bag ban (Adel)